Kennay Farms is pleased to announce the official opening of Kennay Farms Distilling

CHICAGO & ROCHELLE, Ill. - July 9, 2019 - PRLog -- Kennay Farms is pleased to announce the official opening of Kennay Farms Distilling.

"Farms" and "Distillery"are not words often found together in the same sentence.

Located just outside of Chicago in the town of Rochelle, you will come across a typical northern American main street, complete with art-deco theatre.  And that's about where the stereotypical Americana ends.  Behind the doors of the newly restored (and appropriately named) Hub Theatre, is a thoroughly modern 21st century distilling and craft-brewing operation, complete with two state-of-the-art custom designed copper stills and seven 3000-gallon fermentation tanks.  The former theatre balcony overlooks the distillation floor and now serves as a modern tasting room  serving Kennay Farms Distilling proprietary spirits and craft beers.  It has a capacity for up to 120 people and is open to the public as well as also being available for private events.

"The whole endeavor just seemed logical.  We wanted to find ways to expand our family farming business and we knew there were opportunities waiting for us if we dug deep enough.   It's the 21st century… you've gotta innovate if you want the family farm to thrive!"  Says Rick Kennay, family patriarch and CEO of Kennay Farms Distilling.  "Once we landed on the distilling concept, The Hub Theatre in downtown Rochelle just kind of presented itself.  It was empty and needed to find a new direction if it was going to survive the modern era… why not restore it and convert it into a distillery?  There was more than enough space."

Doris Kennay (co-ceo and family matriarch) added that "We began by just taking a closer look at our internal family talents and what resources we already owned: the farm that grew the corn and raised the livestock was the most obvious place to start."

She continued "Normally, we grow the corn, use some to feed the cattle and sell the rest.  It seemed that if we could get just one more use out of that crop… well we might be on to something.  That's when we landed on distilling.  Now, the first stop on the feed-corn's journey is to the distillery where it's used to make our vodka.  Then, that spent-grain is sent back to the farm in the form of a high-protein feed product that the cattle really love!  It's the full circle of life and our own unique way of stretching sustainability just a little further!"

Rick further added that "We are a 100% fully family-owned farm and distillery!  I was told we're also the last functioning theatre on the Lincoln Highway… we just function as a distillery.  Hey, technically we're still in the entertainment business!"

"As Im sitting here right now, we've already produced our first four runs of vodka, one run of gin and at this very moment Im barreling my first run of rye whiskey!"  Said Adam Kennay, head distiller and nephew of Rick and Doris.  "Going forward I'm working on some plans for small-batch runs of seasonal infusions like a spring floral gin and a winter rye.  Having just started up, we realize that we aren't nearly at full capacity, but right now Im really just beginning to rev the engine to see what we can do.  I believe we're the largest distillery in the state of Illinois."  Adam further added that "Everything can be run from an iPad and when I fire-up the stills I love to yell "Engage!!" just like captain Picard… I'm kind of a nerd"

On the craft brewing side of the operation is their head brewer Don Klatt.  He said that "Currently we've pioneered 14 uniquely different craft beers ranging from IPA's, Wheats, Brown Ales, an oatmeal stout and even a Sour."  He added, "It's hard for me to brew something I don't like, and since I'm constantly experimenting with flavors and ingredients there's a bit of trial and error, but ultimately I land on a unique flavor profile.  Right now I'm looking forward to trying something with toasted coconut."

Kennay Family Farms is more than a business, it is a way of life.  As fifth generation farmers, we have a passion for agriculture and family.  We take pride in sharing this passion with you.  When you pour a drink from Kennay Farms, you know it's from a family devoted to craftsmanship, sustainability, and hard work!  Welcome to the family!

Strength in family is apparent from our company logo to the bottom of your glass.

We work the earth to create a drink that we want to be your first choice in American-made spirits.